Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Kabul Education Center, Afghanistan

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vassily A. Nebenzia (Russian Federation):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the atrocious and cowardly terrorist attack that took place at the Kabul Education Center, Afghanistan, on 24 October 2020.  The attack, which was claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) resulted in at least 24 people killed, including pupils, and wounded dozens of students.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the continuing high level of violence and the security situation in Afghanistan, especially the number of civilian casualties, and stressed the importance of sustained efforts to reduce violence.  They underlined the Secretary‑General’s call for a global ceasefire in the light of the current COVID‑19 pandemic as supported in resolution 2532 (2020).

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.  Deliberately targeting children and education facilities as such is especially abhorrent and must be condemned.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.  They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Afghanistan and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.